MOAA Resolutions 2020-2022
Resolution No. 1 – Patriotism and Service
Whereas, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), through the preamble to its Bylaws, articulates the patriotic values held by the Association, and
Whereas, those values serve as guiding principles for all Association endeavors, therefore be it
Resolved, MOAA will direct its service efforts consistent in every manner, and with intention:
- To inculcate and stimulate love of our country and its flag;
- To defend the honor, integrity, and supremacy of our national government and the United States Constitution;
- To advocate for the Uniformed Services adequate to the defense of our country;
- To foster the integrity and prestige of uniformed service;
- To foster relations between all branches of the various Uniformed Services from which our members are drawn;
- To further the education of children and families of Service personnel and the American public of the values of service to the country;
- To aid personnel of the Services from which our members are drawn, and their family members and survivors, in every proper and legitimate manner; and
- To represent service members, their families and survivors, regarding all rights and interests when service matters are under consideration.
Resolution No. 2 – National Defense and Our People
Whereas, providing for the common defense, as mandated by the United States Constitution, requires a combat-ready armed force capable of immediate action to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat threats to our homeland or allies vital to our national interests and security, and
Whereas, recruiting and retention are the backbone of our All-Volunteer Force, and
Whereas, the total force is burdened beyond ordinary military obligations due to budgetary and political constraints to meet mission requirements significantly impacting the quality of life of servicemembers from all components and their families, with serious implications for retention and readiness, therefore be it
Resolved, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will continue to support a strong national defense, with attention to compensation and support programs necessary to attract and retain the quality force our nation needs to ensure the security of our nation and its allies, as well as ensure successful transition back to civilian life, and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will advocate for transparency and inclusion with regard to Quadrennial Reviews of Military Compensation or other such studies as they assess the adequacy of military compensation and each of its underlying components, and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will continue to advocate for relief from sequestration or other budgetary reductions short of full appropriations to responsibly and adequately sustain the All-Volunteer Force, and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will continue to advocate for retiree pay, disability compensation, Social Security and Medicare—and the concurrent receipt of all earned pays; TRICARE For Life, burial and other promised benefits earned through years of service and sacrifice in keeping with the social compact, into which our nation and those who served entered, and to serve as a positive example for those who may consider service.
Resolution No. 3 – Survivor Benefit Programs
Whereas, Congress has enacted laws to provide for the future security of survivors of uniformed services members, and
Whereas, the National Defense Authorization Act of FY2020 eliminates, over a three year period, the dollar-for-dollar reduction of the Survivor Benefit Plan annuity to offset the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs to survivors of servicemembers who die of service-connected causes, and
Whereas, the repeal of the offset will be in full effect January 1, 2023, therefore be it
Resolved, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will ensure Department of Defense and Service Instructions to codify the actions in support of this legislation are timely, and be it further
Resolved, other penalties and shortfalls will continue to be addressed to Congress such as the remarriage penalty, and the lack of parity with other federal programs regarding the calculation of the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.
Resolution No. 4 – Health Care
Whereas, Military Health System (MHS) Reform is needed to enhance the focus on uniformed provider medical capabilities to support deployed operations, achieve greater efficiencies and lower management costs, and improve beneficiary access to care, quality of care and the patient experience, and
Whereas, Distinct healthcare systems exist for the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with responsibilities to provide care to beneficiaries based on different entitlements and missions, which is difficult for patients and caregivers to administratively navigate, resulting in fragmented care experiences through transition from active duty to veteran or retired status, therefore be it
Resolved, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) will advocate to protect the military health care benefit and support an affordable, high quality, and comprehensive health care benefit that serves all eligible Uniformed Services beneficiaries – active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, eligible family members, caregivers, and survivors, and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will continue to be energetic in pressing for full funding to ensure all beneficiaries have access to care through the direct care systems of the MHS and VA or purchased care contract services based on their eligibility and in sustaining efforts to achieve the goal of a true “seamless transition” between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will advocate for transparency and inclusion with regard to any departmental meetings or discussions regarding program changes that support privatization in lieu of the government’s responsibilities to ensure access to quality health care for all beneficiaries.
Resolution No. 5 – The Fallen and POW/MIAs
Whereas, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has long been supportive of the dignity, honor, and respect due to every member of the Uniformed Services, especially those who have lost their lives in service to their country, and
Whereas, there is still less than the fullest possible accounting for those comrades in arms who became prisoners of war or missing in action, and
Whereas, the families of the POW/MIAs continue to suffer the lack of closure regarding their loved ones who also deserve the utmost dignity, honor, and respect, therefore be it
Resolved, MOAA will continue to advocate for proper interment support for all who are eligible, especially the fallen as they are returned to their loved ones, and be it further
Resolved, MOAA continues to hold the issue of accounting for all POW/MIAs as a matter of high national priority, and supports all efforts by the United States government to ensure its resolution and to accelerate efforts in every honorable way to obtain the fullest possible accounting for those still missing and for the repatriation of the remains of those who died serving our nation.
Resolution No. 6 – Leadership Experience and Character Development
Whereas, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) membership is comprised of those members of the Uniformed Services who possess valuable leadership experience in service to our nation, and whose service demands the development and demonstration of strong personal character, both values consistent with MOAA’s By-Laws and its commitment to “Never Stop Serving”, and
Whereas, officers share a fundamental and continuing responsibility to protect the interests and welfare of the nation and of the men and women who are and have been in their charge, and
Whereas, the opportunity to demonstrate leadership after serving in uniform continues in the communities where former officers live, work, play and volunteer, therefore be it
Resolved, MOAA will continue to emphasize the importance of leadership and character development and identify examples of how military men and women provide leadership during their service to our country. MOAA will recognize the role of leaders through print and digital publications, media venues, symposia, mentoring, transition training and other appropriate activities; and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will continue to promote, share and demonstrate leadership among officers of the Uniformed Services through membership in the national association and local MOAA chapters. All MOAA members will encourage communication among officers of all ages and support leadership activities as they continue to serve; and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will continue to encourage headquarters staff, board of directors, state councils, local chapters, and individual members to join in setting an honorable example of public service and engagement for the greater good of our nation and our fellow citizens; and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will continue to promote the rule of law and support the fundamental principles of character and leadership that enhances civic responsibility and encourages treating every individual with respect and dignity, regardless of differences in race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or political affiliation.
Resolution No. 7 – Education for Service Members and Their Children
Whereas, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) recognizes the importance of professional military education for the officers of the Uniformed Services, and
Whereas, MOAA provides education for officers and their families regarding financial affairs, healthcare, insurance, transition, career planning, franchising and relocation, and
Whereas, MOAA supports furthering the education of the children of all Service personnel, therefore be it
Resolved, MOAA will utilize print and digital publications as well as other media venues, symposia, mentoring, counseling, training and partnering to educate its members regarding professional development, life events and issues of direct concern to their well-being as families, and be it further
Resolved, MOAA will provide financial assistance through the MOAA Scholarship Fund for the children of military families.